Good Morning,
My mug is steaming from the hot Door County Wisconsin Cherry Pie Coffee I just poured and it is time to write.
Psalm 77:14 NKJV You are the God who does wonders. You have declared your strength among the peoples.
I was in the 2nd grade when tough times hit my family. Mom had to have an open heart surgery about a year before and the surgery was considered experimental at the time. Thus, it was not covered at all by insurance. When we needed to move into a smaller home it seemed like things could not get worse. During the move my parents and my sister were involved in a car crash. They were hit by a drunk driver. All three were hurt and the other driver did not have insurance or anything worth suing for.
One night just before Christmas I was not asleep, but I could hear my parents talking and my mom was crying. My dad was explaining to her just how bleak the financial situation was and that there would be no presents for the family. Maybe the grandparents or our aunt would help out. Christmas cookies were nixed for oatmeal, and eggs. His goal was not to lose our home.
I heard my mother praying for things to turn around and that my dad could keep up the pace of two jobs.
My dad was a United States Marine and was active in the local VFW post and the American Legion. One of my uncles was also active in the same organizations. He spread the word that my folks could use some help.
It was a Saturday morning and it was cold in the house. I was up and watching the Saturday cartoons on the black and white tv. I hadn't been sleeping well. I too was worried that we would have our home taken away. As a second grader your imagination can run wild. The doorbell rang and I went to answer the door. There were several men and women at the back door. I opened the door and they asked for my Dad. I slammed that door and locked it. No one was going to take our home, or send me and my sister to an orphanage. I was ready to go all "Home Alone" on those creeps. I did own a sling shot! Within a few seconds my heart sank as my dad opened the door. I thought to myself "What the hell." I used to swear quite a bit by the time I was in second grade. My dad seemed to know the guy. He addressed my dad as "Hey Marine, We heard that one of us needed a hand." I looked out of the window and there was a line of women and men with boxes of groceries, toiletries and presents. My dad sat down at the kitchen table and there were tears running down his face. I saw my dad shed tears only twice. It was when my mom passed away that he cried for the second time.
The man who seemed to be the leader also handed my dad an envelope with $250 in cash. He also had his hand on my dad's shoulder. He explained where all the money and food came from. It was collected at a dance held at the post as a fund raiser for our family. The kitchen was filled with these Marines and their wives until it spilled into the living room. Once they were assembled, they all on cue shouted in unison "Semper Fi" They shook dad's hand and hugged mom,.
My point for the day. I believe in miracles and that God listens to prayers. I believe God also uses the good hearts of men and women to be a part of the miracles. If you are down and out, pray for that miracle and hope in the love of Christmas.
If you hear of a genuine need and you can help, be part of a miracle.
God bless,
Marty
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